The Forge

Question 1

A sense of mystery. He doesn’t know what is beyond the door

Answer 1

All I know is a door into the dark.

Question 2

A comparison between outside and inside. Outside is neglected and forgotten about while inside the Forge is filled with life

Answer 2

Outside, old axles and iron hoops rusting;

Inside, the hammered anvil’s short-pitched ring,

Question 3

The work is unpredictable and intriguing. Captures young Heaney’s attention

Answer 3

The unpredictable fantail of sparks

Question 4

Is not familiar with the layout of the forge as he hasn’t been in it. Using his imagination to create an image of the inside; the anvil has got to be the centre of attention

Answer 4

The anvil must be somewhere in the middle

Question 5

Reference to the anvil being something mystical because it can create so many things

Answer 5

Horned as a unicorn

Question 6

The anvil cannot be moved because it is such a prominent part of the job. Almost an alter in importance

Answer 6

Set there immovable: an altar

Question 7

The blacksmith reminisces about a time when the forge was buzzing with business. Busy tempo created using enjambment

Answer 7

Recalls a clatter,

Of hoofs where the traffic is flashing in rows

Question 8

Blacksmith is unhappy with what the world has become. He is turning his back on the modern world and concentrating on his work, his own art form (admiration for art)

Answer 8

Then grunts and goes in, with a slam and flick

To beat real iron out, to work the bellows